MOORESTOWN, N.J., Nov. 18, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) submitted its proposal today for the next phase of Space Fence, a program that will revamp the way the U.S. Air Force identifies and tracks objects in space.  

Space Fence will use S-band ground-based radars to provide the Air Force with uncued detection, tracking and accurate measurement of space objects, primarily in low-earth orbit.  The geographic separation and the higher wave frequency of the new Space Fence radars will allow for the detection of much smaller microsatellites and debris than current systems.  Additionally, Lockheed Martin's Space Fence design will significantly improve the timeliness with which operators can detect space events which could present potential threats to GPS satellites or the International Space Station.

"The 2009 collision of an operational communications satellite with a defunct satellite illustrates the real risk space debris poses to both our manned and unmanned space missions," said John Morse, director of Lockheed Martin's Space Fence program.  "Space situational awareness is a national security priority and Space Fence will greatly enhance our ability to track and catalog orbiting objects which number in the tens of thousands."

For this next phase of the Space Fence program, the Air Force will award up to two preliminary design review contracts worth up to a total of $214 million. During the 18-month period of performance, selected contractors will develop preliminary system designs, radar performance analyses, evaluations and prototypes, and conduct other technical activities.  After completion of this phase in 2012, a separate production contract award is expected to lead to final system development, fielding and full operational capability.

Space Fence will replace the existing Air Force Space Surveillance System, or VHF Fence, which has been in service since the early 1960s.  The new system's initial operational capability is scheduled for 2015.  The contract is valued at more than $3.5 billion.

With more than 400 operational S-band arrays deployed worldwide, Lockheed Martin is a leader in S-band radar development, production, operation and sustainment.  The Lockheed Martin-led team, which includes General Dynamics, AT&T and AMEC, has decades of collective experience in space-related programs including sensors, mission-processing, cataloging, orbital mechanics, net-centric communications and facilities. 

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 133,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.  The Corporation's 2009 sales from continuing operations were $44 billion.

For additional information, visit our website :http://www.lockheedmartin.com/ms2

Note to Editors:

In June 2009, Lockheed Martin was one of three industry teams awarded a $30 million contract to begin concept development for Space Fence.  Lockheed Martin's team reduced risks for its solution by prototyping, designing and performing trade studies and analysis of potential system configurations. The team also conducted site and facility studies and developed net-centric approaches to integrate the new Space Fence with the existing architecture of the Space Surveillance Network.

In August 2010, Lockheed Martin completed a successful system design review for Space Fence.  Final prototyping demonstrations will be performed for the Air Force before year end. 

SOURCE Lockheed Martin